Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

NOC’s Guest Appreciation Festival has been a staple in Western North Carolina since 1982. Bringing together families, friends and the community to celebrate another season of outdoor adventure. In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we have made the decision to change up GAF for the 2020 season — with a focus on a virtual appreciation event throughout the month of September and no in-person festival the weekend of September 25th – 27th. The recreational releases on the Cascades and Upper Nantahala are still scheduled as normal.
In 2020 the festival format might change — but the spirit is stronger than ever. Let’s celebrate another summer of (socially distanced) adventure with a month full of deals on new and used gear, apparel from the big brands, and last minute savings on fall adventures in the mountains.
It has been a challenging year, but one that has reminded us that outdoor adventure plays a critical role in a healthy lifestyle. As we “space out” what is normally an action-packed weekend in the gorge, we plan to bring offers throughout the month of September that will keep you outfitted for the next adventure, big or small.
Want to be on the inside track? Sign up below to be added to our #GAF2020 list. We’ll be sharing additional updates soon and subscribers will be the first to know when the big deals hit.


How ’bout them Apples?
We post each Thursday morning any ripening updates in the orchard. Remember we are an heirloom apple orchard. Our mission is to save the good stuff…including apple varieties. In addition to trees that fruit during the normal late September/October season in greater quantity, also we plant small batch numbers of heirloom apple trees. Some ripen earlier (an unexpected gift); all have their uses from apple sauce, to butters, to juice and ciders, and just fresh eating off the trees. They won’t all be available all the time. But, when they are, we’ll let you know. Please come and see for yourself.


How ’bout them Apples?
We post each Thursday morning any ripening updates in the orchard. Remember we are an heirloom apple orchard. Our mission is to save the good stuff…including apple varieties. In addition to trees that fruit during the normal late September/October season in greater quantity, also we plant small batch numbers of heirloom apple trees. Some ripen earlier (an unexpected gift); all have their uses from apple sauce, to butters, to juice and ciders, and just fresh eating off the trees. They won’t all be available all the time. But, when they are, we’ll let you know. Please come and see for yourself.


Covid-19 hasn’t stopped us from making an impact on local rivers and communities throughout WNC — so we’re adapting our 8th Annual Root Ball End of Season Party to celebrate quarantine-style… Save the dates for three awesome ways to participate!
Online silent auction (Oct 2nd-18th). We’ll have an incredible collection of items and experiences focused on outdoor recreation, arts + culture, food + beverage, and other offerings that are uniquely Asheville.
Online native tree and plant sale (Oct 2nd-18th). Individuals will be able to purchase from a wide variety of plants and trees provided by participating partner nurseries (with all proceeds going to GreenWorks programs).
Virtual Dance Party on October 16th: Gather up your pod and safely dance the evening away in your own living room. The event will be kid-friendly and have lots of opportunities for audience participation.
Stay tuned for more information on how to join in these exciting events!
If you’d like to offer support by donating an item or service to our silent auction, please contact [email protected].
|
23rd FBRF rescheduled
|
| Hello wonderful FBRFers,
With all the cancellations we want to share what we hope you will agree is good news! Our friends at the Hot Springs Campground & Resort have allowed us to move the 23rd annual river fest to the fall, Oct 2-4, 2020. As many of you know we hosted a fall fest or “French Broad Brew Fest” from 2011 to 2015 and it’s a spectacular time of the year to be in this special place down by the river, and we’re really excited to be able to do the full-on 23rd FBRF at that time. Expect lots of great music, kid’s village, whitewater raft race, river cleanup, pumpkins, great weather (usually), and politicians (just kidding we’ll need a break around that time right?). So . . . if you purchased tickets already you can do nothing and plan on being there Oct. 2-4, 2020 with your purchased ticket . . . or you can go to your Eventbrite account and get a full refund (minus service charges) until April 15th (you will also receive this message with instructions from your Eventbrite account). If you made campground reservations for any nights prior to the spring festival, the campground will allow you to cancel them and/or reschedule (828-622-7676). However, please note, the Hot Springs Resort & Spa is closed for the next two weeks for quarantine. They are happy to get you taken care of as soon as they reopen. If you have questions about refund or anything else email us at [email protected] or message social media and we’ll try to respond as soon as we can. More details to come about the 23rd French Broad River Festival Oct. 2-4, 2020 as we work to make it the best ever. Meanwhile check out this short video from the 2012 French Broad Fall Fest.
Stay safe and healthy everyone. With optimism that comes with the first day of spring, we look forward to seeing you in the fall! ![]() |

FBRF has a loyal following and if you’ve been there, you know. Participate in the river cleanup to kick it off, hike the AT, ride bikes, go fishing, soak in the hot springs, get a massage, go whitewater rafting, check out the vendors, and enjoy the music.
The music is diverse and always on point for such a “small” festival and the setting is incredible.


How ’bout them Apples?
We post each Thursday morning any ripening updates in the orchard. Remember we are an heirloom apple orchard. Our mission is to save the good stuff…including apple varieties. In addition to trees that fruit during the normal late September/October season in greater quantity, also we plant small batch numbers of heirloom apple trees. Some ripen earlier (an unexpected gift); all have their uses from apple sauce, to butters, to juice and ciders, and just fresh eating off the trees. They won’t all be available all the time. But, when they are, we’ll let you know. Please come and see for yourself.


Covid-19 hasn’t stopped us from making an impact on local rivers and communities throughout WNC — so we’re adapting our 8th Annual Root Ball End of Season Party to celebrate quarantine-style… Save the dates for three awesome ways to participate!
Online silent auction (Oct 2nd-18th). We’ll have an incredible collection of items and experiences focused on outdoor recreation, arts + culture, food + beverage, and other offerings that are uniquely Asheville.
Online native tree and plant sale (Oct 2nd-18th). Individuals will be able to purchase from a wide variety of plants and trees provided by participating partner nurseries (with all proceeds going to GreenWorks programs).
Virtual Dance Party on October 16th: Gather up your pod and safely dance the evening away in your own living room. The event will be kid-friendly and have lots of opportunities for audience participation.
Stay tuned for more information on how to join in these exciting events!
If you’d like to offer support by donating an item or service to our silent auction, please contact [email protected].


Another Cuba Trip!
We’re excited to announce we have scheduled a second trip to Cuba for June 22nd – July 1, 2021In the case of trip cancellation, a full refund or roll over of funds paid to future trips will be offered to all registered participants. Flexible payment plans are available.
|
23rd FBRF rescheduled
|
| Hello wonderful FBRFers,
With all the cancellations we want to share what we hope you will agree is good news! Our friends at the Hot Springs Campground & Resort have allowed us to move the 23rd annual river fest to the fall, Oct 2-4, 2020. As many of you know we hosted a fall fest or “French Broad Brew Fest” from 2011 to 2015 and it’s a spectacular time of the year to be in this special place down by the river, and we’re really excited to be able to do the full-on 23rd FBRF at that time. Expect lots of great music, kid’s village, whitewater raft race, river cleanup, pumpkins, great weather (usually), and politicians (just kidding we’ll need a break around that time right?). So . . . if you purchased tickets already you can do nothing and plan on being there Oct. 2-4, 2020 with your purchased ticket . . . or you can go to your Eventbrite account and get a full refund (minus service charges) until April 15th (you will also receive this message with instructions from your Eventbrite account). If you made campground reservations for any nights prior to the spring festival, the campground will allow you to cancel them and/or reschedule (828-622-7676). However, please note, the Hot Springs Resort & Spa is closed for the next two weeks for quarantine. They are happy to get you taken care of as soon as they reopen. If you have questions about refund or anything else email us at [email protected] or message social media and we’ll try to respond as soon as we can. More details to come about the 23rd French Broad River Festival Oct. 2-4, 2020 as we work to make it the best ever. Meanwhile check out this short video from the 2012 French Broad Fall Fest.
Stay safe and healthy everyone. With optimism that comes with the first day of spring, we look forward to seeing you in the fall! ![]() |

FBRF has a loyal following and if you’ve been there, you know. Participate in the river cleanup to kick it off, hike the AT, ride bikes, go fishing, soak in the hot springs, get a massage, go whitewater rafting, check out the vendors, and enjoy the music.
The music is diverse and always on point for such a “small” festival and the setting is incredible.


How ’bout them Apples?
We post each Thursday morning any ripening updates in the orchard. Remember we are an heirloom apple orchard. Our mission is to save the good stuff…including apple varieties. In addition to trees that fruit during the normal late September/October season in greater quantity, also we plant small batch numbers of heirloom apple trees. Some ripen earlier (an unexpected gift); all have their uses from apple sauce, to butters, to juice and ciders, and just fresh eating off the trees. They won’t all be available all the time. But, when they are, we’ll let you know. Please come and see for yourself.


Covid-19 hasn’t stopped us from making an impact on local rivers and communities throughout WNC — so we’re adapting our 8th Annual Root Ball End of Season Party to celebrate quarantine-style… Save the dates for three awesome ways to participate!
Online silent auction (Oct 2nd-18th). We’ll have an incredible collection of items and experiences focused on outdoor recreation, arts + culture, food + beverage, and other offerings that are uniquely Asheville.
Online native tree and plant sale (Oct 2nd-18th). Individuals will be able to purchase from a wide variety of plants and trees provided by participating partner nurseries (with all proceeds going to GreenWorks programs).
Virtual Dance Party on October 16th: Gather up your pod and safely dance the evening away in your own living room. The event will be kid-friendly and have lots of opportunities for audience participation.
Stay tuned for more information on how to join in these exciting events!
If you’d like to offer support by donating an item or service to our silent auction, please contact [email protected].


Another Cuba Trip!
We’re excited to announce we have scheduled a second trip to Cuba for June 22nd – July 1, 2021In the case of trip cancellation, a full refund or roll over of funds paid to future trips will be offered to all registered participants. Flexible payment plans are available.
|
23rd FBRF rescheduled
|
| Hello wonderful FBRFers,
With all the cancellations we want to share what we hope you will agree is good news! Our friends at the Hot Springs Campground & Resort have allowed us to move the 23rd annual river fest to the fall, Oct 2-4, 2020. As many of you know we hosted a fall fest or “French Broad Brew Fest” from 2011 to 2015 and it’s a spectacular time of the year to be in this special place down by the river, and we’re really excited to be able to do the full-on 23rd FBRF at that time. Expect lots of great music, kid’s village, whitewater raft race, river cleanup, pumpkins, great weather (usually), and politicians (just kidding we’ll need a break around that time right?). So . . . if you purchased tickets already you can do nothing and plan on being there Oct. 2-4, 2020 with your purchased ticket . . . or you can go to your Eventbrite account and get a full refund (minus service charges) until April 15th (you will also receive this message with instructions from your Eventbrite account). If you made campground reservations for any nights prior to the spring festival, the campground will allow you to cancel them and/or reschedule (828-622-7676). However, please note, the Hot Springs Resort & Spa is closed for the next two weeks for quarantine. They are happy to get you taken care of as soon as they reopen. If you have questions about refund or anything else email us at [email protected] or message social media and we’ll try to respond as soon as we can. More details to come about the 23rd French Broad River Festival Oct. 2-4, 2020 as we work to make it the best ever. Meanwhile check out this short video from the 2012 French Broad Fall Fest.
Stay safe and healthy everyone. With optimism that comes with the first day of spring, we look forward to seeing you in the fall! ![]() |

FBRF has a loyal following and if you’ve been there, you know. Participate in the river cleanup to kick it off, hike the AT, ride bikes, go fishing, soak in the hot springs, get a massage, go whitewater rafting, check out the vendors, and enjoy the music.
The music is diverse and always on point for such a “small” festival and the setting is incredible.


How ’bout them Apples?
We post each Thursday morning any ripening updates in the orchard. Remember we are an heirloom apple orchard. Our mission is to save the good stuff…including apple varieties. In addition to trees that fruit during the normal late September/October season in greater quantity, also we plant small batch numbers of heirloom apple trees. Some ripen earlier (an unexpected gift); all have their uses from apple sauce, to butters, to juice and ciders, and just fresh eating off the trees. They won’t all be available all the time. But, when they are, we’ll let you know. Please come and see for yourself.

North Carolina Balloon Festival
October 2, 5:00 pm – October 4, 9:00 pm
Hot air balloons (weather permitting), food trucks, retail vendors and activities for the family!
Details
Start:
October 2, 5:00 pm
End:
October 4, 9:00 pm


Covid-19 hasn’t stopped us from making an impact on local rivers and communities throughout WNC — so we’re adapting our 8th Annual Root Ball End of Season Party to celebrate quarantine-style… Save the dates for three awesome ways to participate!
Online silent auction (Oct 2nd-18th). We’ll have an incredible collection of items and experiences focused on outdoor recreation, arts + culture, food + beverage, and other offerings that are uniquely Asheville.
Online native tree and plant sale (Oct 2nd-18th). Individuals will be able to purchase from a wide variety of plants and trees provided by participating partner nurseries (with all proceeds going to GreenWorks programs).
Virtual Dance Party on October 16th: Gather up your pod and safely dance the evening away in your own living room. The event will be kid-friendly and have lots of opportunities for audience participation.
Stay tuned for more information on how to join in these exciting events!
If you’d like to offer support by donating an item or service to our silent auction, please contact [email protected].


Covid-19 hasn’t stopped us from making an impact on local rivers and communities throughout WNC — so we’re adapting our 8th Annual Root Ball End of Season Party to celebrate quarantine-style… Save the dates for three awesome ways to participate!
Online silent auction (Oct 2nd-18th). We’ll have an incredible collection of items and experiences focused on outdoor recreation, arts + culture, food + beverage, and other offerings that are uniquely Asheville.
Online native tree and plant sale (Oct 2nd-18th). Individuals will be able to purchase from a wide variety of plants and trees provided by participating partner nurseries (with all proceeds going to GreenWorks programs).
Virtual Dance Party on October 16th: Gather up your pod and safely dance the evening away in your own living room. The event will be kid-friendly and have lots of opportunities for audience participation.
Stay tuned for more information on how to join in these exciting events!
If you’d like to offer support by donating an item or service to our silent auction, please contact [email protected].


Covid-19 hasn’t stopped us from making an impact on local rivers and communities throughout WNC — so we’re adapting our 8th Annual Root Ball End of Season Party to celebrate quarantine-style… Save the dates for three awesome ways to participate!
Online silent auction (Oct 2nd-18th). We’ll have an incredible collection of items and experiences focused on outdoor recreation, arts + culture, food + beverage, and other offerings that are uniquely Asheville.
Online native tree and plant sale (Oct 2nd-18th). Individuals will be able to purchase from a wide variety of plants and trees provided by participating partner nurseries (with all proceeds going to GreenWorks programs).
Virtual Dance Party on October 16th: Gather up your pod and safely dance the evening away in your own living room. The event will be kid-friendly and have lots of opportunities for audience participation.
Stay tuned for more information on how to join in these exciting events!
If you’d like to offer support by donating an item or service to our silent auction, please contact [email protected].


How ’bout them Apples?
We post each Thursday morning any ripening updates in the orchard. Remember we are an heirloom apple orchard. Our mission is to save the good stuff…including apple varieties. In addition to trees that fruit during the normal late September/October season in greater quantity, also we plant small batch numbers of heirloom apple trees. Some ripen earlier (an unexpected gift); all have their uses from apple sauce, to butters, to juice and ciders, and just fresh eating off the trees. They won’t all be available all the time. But, when they are, we’ll let you know. Please come and see for yourself.


Covid-19 hasn’t stopped us from making an impact on local rivers and communities throughout WNC — so we’re adapting our 8th Annual Root Ball End of Season Party to celebrate quarantine-style… Save the dates for three awesome ways to participate!
Online silent auction (Oct 2nd-18th). We’ll have an incredible collection of items and experiences focused on outdoor recreation, arts + culture, food + beverage, and other offerings that are uniquely Asheville.
Online native tree and plant sale (Oct 2nd-18th). Individuals will be able to purchase from a wide variety of plants and trees provided by participating partner nurseries (with all proceeds going to GreenWorks programs).
Virtual Dance Party on October 16th: Gather up your pod and safely dance the evening away in your own living room. The event will be kid-friendly and have lots of opportunities for audience participation.
Stay tuned for more information on how to join in these exciting events!
If you’d like to offer support by donating an item or service to our silent auction, please contact [email protected].


How ’bout them Apples?
We post each Thursday morning any ripening updates in the orchard. Remember we are an heirloom apple orchard. Our mission is to save the good stuff…including apple varieties. In addition to trees that fruit during the normal late September/October season in greater quantity, also we plant small batch numbers of heirloom apple trees. Some ripen earlier (an unexpected gift); all have their uses from apple sauce, to butters, to juice and ciders, and just fresh eating off the trees. They won’t all be available all the time. But, when they are, we’ll let you know. Please come and see for yourself.


Covid-19 hasn’t stopped us from making an impact on local rivers and communities throughout WNC — so we’re adapting our 8th Annual Root Ball End of Season Party to celebrate quarantine-style… Save the dates for three awesome ways to participate!
Online silent auction (Oct 2nd-18th). We’ll have an incredible collection of items and experiences focused on outdoor recreation, arts + culture, food + beverage, and other offerings that are uniquely Asheville.
Online native tree and plant sale (Oct 2nd-18th). Individuals will be able to purchase from a wide variety of plants and trees provided by participating partner nurseries (with all proceeds going to GreenWorks programs).
Virtual Dance Party on October 16th: Gather up your pod and safely dance the evening away in your own living room. The event will be kid-friendly and have lots of opportunities for audience participation.
Stay tuned for more information on how to join in these exciting events!
If you’d like to offer support by donating an item or service to our silent auction, please contact [email protected].


How ’bout them Apples?
We post each Thursday morning any ripening updates in the orchard. Remember we are an heirloom apple orchard. Our mission is to save the good stuff…including apple varieties. In addition to trees that fruit during the normal late September/October season in greater quantity, also we plant small batch numbers of heirloom apple trees. Some ripen earlier (an unexpected gift); all have their uses from apple sauce, to butters, to juice and ciders, and just fresh eating off the trees. They won’t all be available all the time. But, when they are, we’ll let you know. Please come and see for yourself.


Covid-19 hasn’t stopped us from making an impact on local rivers and communities throughout WNC — so we’re adapting our 8th Annual Root Ball End of Season Party to celebrate quarantine-style… Save the dates for three awesome ways to participate!
Online silent auction (Oct 2nd-18th). We’ll have an incredible collection of items and experiences focused on outdoor recreation, arts + culture, food + beverage, and other offerings that are uniquely Asheville.
Online native tree and plant sale (Oct 2nd-18th). Individuals will be able to purchase from a wide variety of plants and trees provided by participating partner nurseries (with all proceeds going to GreenWorks programs).
Virtual Dance Party on October 16th: Gather up your pod and safely dance the evening away in your own living room. The event will be kid-friendly and have lots of opportunities for audience participation.
Stay tuned for more information on how to join in these exciting events!
If you’d like to offer support by donating an item or service to our silent auction, please contact [email protected].


Another Cuba Trip!
We’re excited to announce we have scheduled a second trip to Cuba for June 22nd – July 1, 2021In the case of trip cancellation, a full refund or roll over of funds paid to future trips will be offered to all registered participants. Flexible payment plans are available.


How ’bout them Apples?
We post each Thursday morning any ripening updates in the orchard. Remember we are an heirloom apple orchard. Our mission is to save the good stuff…including apple varieties. In addition to trees that fruit during the normal late September/October season in greater quantity, also we plant small batch numbers of heirloom apple trees. Some ripen earlier (an unexpected gift); all have their uses from apple sauce, to butters, to juice and ciders, and just fresh eating off the trees. They won’t all be available all the time. But, when they are, we’ll let you know. Please come and see for yourself.


Covid-19 hasn’t stopped us from making an impact on local rivers and communities throughout WNC — so we’re adapting our 8th Annual Root Ball End of Season Party to celebrate quarantine-style… Save the dates for three awesome ways to participate!
Online silent auction (Oct 2nd-18th). We’ll have an incredible collection of items and experiences focused on outdoor recreation, arts + culture, food + beverage, and other offerings that are uniquely Asheville.
Online native tree and plant sale (Oct 2nd-18th). Individuals will be able to purchase from a wide variety of plants and trees provided by participating partner nurseries (with all proceeds going to GreenWorks programs).
Virtual Dance Party on October 16th: Gather up your pod and safely dance the evening away in your own living room. The event will be kid-friendly and have lots of opportunities for audience participation.
Stay tuned for more information on how to join in these exciting events!
If you’d like to offer support by donating an item or service to our silent auction, please contact [email protected].


Another Cuba Trip!
We’re excited to announce we have scheduled a second trip to Cuba for June 22nd – July 1, 2021In the case of trip cancellation, a full refund or roll over of funds paid to future trips will be offered to all registered participants. Flexible payment plans are available.


How ’bout them Apples?
We post each Thursday morning any ripening updates in the orchard. Remember we are an heirloom apple orchard. Our mission is to save the good stuff…including apple varieties. In addition to trees that fruit during the normal late September/October season in greater quantity, also we plant small batch numbers of heirloom apple trees. Some ripen earlier (an unexpected gift); all have their uses from apple sauce, to butters, to juice and ciders, and just fresh eating off the trees. They won’t all be available all the time. But, when they are, we’ll let you know. Please come and see for yourself.


Covid-19 hasn’t stopped us from making an impact on local rivers and communities throughout WNC — so we’re adapting our 8th Annual Root Ball End of Season Party to celebrate quarantine-style… Save the dates for three awesome ways to participate!
Online silent auction (Oct 2nd-18th). We’ll have an incredible collection of items and experiences focused on outdoor recreation, arts + culture, food + beverage, and other offerings that are uniquely Asheville.
Online native tree and plant sale (Oct 2nd-18th). Individuals will be able to purchase from a wide variety of plants and trees provided by participating partner nurseries (with all proceeds going to GreenWorks programs).
Virtual Dance Party on October 16th: Gather up your pod and safely dance the evening away in your own living room. The event will be kid-friendly and have lots of opportunities for audience participation.
Stay tuned for more information on how to join in these exciting events!
If you’d like to offer support by donating an item or service to our silent auction, please contact [email protected].

